Austin Farmer's Market

Roger had to be at work at 7:00 o'clock this morning and since he was going to be up that early I decided I'd get up early too and head down to the downtown Austin Farmer's Market. I would normally go to the Sunset Valley Farmer's Market because it is closer to where I live, but I went to the Austin Farmer's Market today because I read in Edible Austin's e-newsletter that there was a new vendor selling 100% pure Texan olive oil. We have some friends who love olive oil and dipping spices with bread for appetizers and snacks with friends. We are visiting them at the end of July to go see a Cirque du Soleil show in Houston and I wanted to bring them a bottle of 100% Texan olive oil as a gift and so we could check it out with them and see how good it is. The last time these friends visited us in Austin, we opened a bottle of olive oil pressed in Italy from olives grown on a College Station lady's farm in Italy and sold at the Brazos Valley Farmer's Market where my parents sell on Saturdays and Wednesdays. It was good but now I'm interested to see how olive oil made from Texas olives taste. Of course I'll let you know.

While at the farmer's market I enjoyed a tasty turkey empanada made from market ingredients from a local family of great cooks and good iced coffee roasted in East Austin. I also enjoyed live music from a local band, Wiretree. I really liked their sound, so much so I bought a CD. Then I bought something I have been wanting for a long time, an orchid plant. The orchid lady in Spring, Texas gave me all the instructions. I have always heard orchid plants are way easier to take care of than most people think. We'll see. I'll keep you updated on it.

I was happily surprised by how large the downtown market has gotten. It used to be a short, little strip of pop-up tents and was kind of a joke. But it's now up to four or five double sided rows and they even had to take over part of the parking lot next to it. The Sunset Valley Farmer's Market is at least twice as large as the Austin one is, but they have a lot more space in Sunset Valley. It was a really nice morning. I had some nice conversations with people sitting around me under the tent with tables and chairs. I talked to a young Indian family where the father really liked the band. I talked with two ladies about the habanero plant they bought. It was already full of fruit. And I talked to quite a few people about their dogs. There were dogs every where. Super cute ones too. Lots of mutts and purebreeds, but a few I could tell were a very well groomed and behaved standard poodle, a goldendoodle puppy that was super sweet and a super cute little jack russell terrier that was every one's friend. Especially if you had food with you. But it was starting to get really hot. I was glad I brought my own water although they had coolers of water for the public. I actually stopped at the information table and asked some questions. The volunteers that man the table are really nice. I even got a Market Card which is stamped with market purchases and you are entered to win fabulous prizes. I think the prize is $10 in market bucks. Not bad. If anyone ever wants to venture out there early on a Saturday morning, let me know. I'll make any excuse to go to the farmer's market, especially with friends.